May 18, 2010

Successful Newburg HS (OR) Boys Basketball Coach Steps Down

Mark Vernon, who in four years as boys basketball coach at Newberg led the Tigers to two Class 6A state tournament appearances, has resigned his position.

Vernon, 56, made the decision because of a recent job transfer that would make for a difficult situation at Newberg.

This summer, Vernon, a physical education teacher at Southridge High School, was transferred to another school in the Beaverton School District, the Health and Science School. Vernon, who lives in Newberg, said the new job would add 15 to 20 minutes to his commute.

“I would have to have my team practice at 5:30 every night, he said. That wouldn’t be fair to the program or fair to me.”

Vernon has been hoping to land a physical education teaching position or something similar in the Newberg School District, but nothing has developed. Vernon said he applied for a P.E. opening at Newberg High School when he took over the Tigers’ program before the 2006-07 season but didn’t get the job.

Newberg athletic director Tim Burke said two physical education teaching positions have opened during the past three years, but they required a teacher who is also certified in health. Vernon is not.

Last Friday, Vernon said he came to the conclusion his new job and Newberg’s basketball program weren’t compatible, and offered his resignation. He said the school is giving him three weeks to reconsider before making it official, though Burke said he is beginning to look for a replacement.

“In my mind, I’m done. It’s not going to work, Vernon said. I’m very disappointed that I can’t continue what I started. This is my town, and I love it here.”

Vernon was 51-53 in four seasons at Newberg. In 2008, Newberg made its first postseason appearance in nine years, and in 2009, the Tigers qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 1996.

Vernon is the winningest men’s basketball coach at George Fox University. In 18 years at the school, his teams had a combined record of 318-218. Vernon also coached three years at Southridge before taking over at Newberg. (Read More…)

Mark Vernon, who in four years as boys basketball coach at Newberg led the Tigers to two Class 6A state tournament appearances, has resigned his position. Vernon, 56, made the decision because of a recent job transfer that would make for a difficult situation at Newberg. This summer, Vernon, a physical education teacher at Southridge High School, was transferred to another school in the Beaverton School District, the Health and Science School. Vernon, who lives in Newberg, said the new job would add 15 to 20 minutes to his commute. “I would have to have my team practice at 5:30 every night, he said. That wouldn’t be fair to the program or fair to me.” Vernon has been hoping to land a physical education teaching position or something similar in the Newberg School District, but nothing has developed. Vernon said he applied for a P.E. opening at Newberg High School when he took over the Tigers’ program before the 2006-07 season but didn’t get the job. Newberg athletic director Tim Burke said two physical education teaching positions have opened during the past three years, but they required a teacher who is also certified in health. Vernon is not. Last Friday, Vernon said he came to the conclusion his new job and Newberg’s basketball program weren’t compatible, and offered his resignation. He said the school is giving him three weeks to reconsider before making it official, though Burke said he is beginning to look for a replacement. “In my mind, I’m done. It’s not going to work, Vernon said. I’m very disappointed that I can’t continue what I started. This is my town, and I love it here.” Vernon was 51-53 in four seasons at Newberg. In 2008, Newberg made its first postseason appearance in nine years, and in 2009, the Tigers qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 1996. Vernon is the winningest men’s basketball coach at George Fox University. In 18 years at the school, his teams had a combined record of 318-218. Vernon also coached three years at Southridge before taking over at Newberg. (Read More…)